Snow, it’s one of the few things that is hard to find in Southern California, but for the past several years, on one special day in early December there is snow at Fontana’s Miller Park. This holiday miracle isn’t the work of an animated reindeer named Rudolph or any other usual suspects this time of year. Instead, it’s due to 50 tons of fresh snow brought in for Fontana’s Festival of Winter.

On December 11, more than 10,000 people from Fontana and elsewhere in the I.E. will be in town for this free yearly celebration. And it’s not just for the snow, which offers attendees the opportunity to do some sledding and tubing. This little piece of the North Pole will have live entertainment, a trackless train, pictures with Santa, local food, shopping and a photo booth for making holiday greeting cards.

In the Lewis Library, children of all ages may take pictures with Santa and be entertained by holiday performances in the Steelworkers’ Auditorium. At Miller Park, on the main stage, the band Soto will perform Latin music, which the band says contains “Soulful ballads, Latin rhythms, hot dance grooves and a high energy choreographed stage show.”

The Festival of Winter begins at 11:00 a.m. But before it starts, the Fontana Exchange Club will host their yearly Christmas Parade at 10:00 a.m. This year’s theme is "Christmas Traditions." Participants are encouraged to build floats showing their various Christmas traditions. Typically, 60 to 70 local organizations and groups participate in the Christmas Parade.

Leading the parade will be Grand Marshall Daniel Quiroga. Daniel is the Fontana Community Hero of the Year for the L.A. County Fair. He teaches at Fontana Middle School and every year helps the kids in his travel club raise funds to go to Washington D.C. The parade lasts about an hour and the Festival of Winter activities follow at Miller Park.

This year there will also be a chance for the public to get into the “gift-giving spirit” by participating in a food and toy drive supporting City Link, a program setup to aid and support those in need. To be a part of the gift giving experience, bring non-perishable canned foods or unwrapped toys to the Festival of Winter and receive the opportunity to create a personal holiday image to share with friends and family.

Miller Park is located at 17004 Arrow Boulevard in Fontana. For more information about the Festival of Winter or Christmas Parade, please call Fontana’s Community Services Department at (909) 349-6947 or visit the City's website.

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